Watch Mark discuss Pairings with Summer Wines on WWLP

Pairing wine with food in the summer: wwlp.com

Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Gris Willamette Valley Oregon 2009

Oregon Pinot Gris has compelled the attention of wine lovers for a while now—the Ponzi Pinot Gris shows us why. Pinot Gris is the Alsatian version of the grape we know as Pinot Grigio; the Ponzi has conjured many of the aspects texturally and flavorwise of that singular region on the French and German border. Essentially fine bodied, but with a richness and weight that opens up in the glass, the Ponzi has layered this aromatic dry wine with flavors of fig, pear, and quince. This is every bit as good as Alsatian wines $20 and up and a steal at $14.99! Serve with seafood, rice dishes and white meats.

 

Ponzi Vineyards Tavola Pinot Noir 2008

A grown-up red wine that is focused, fine-bodied and packed with flavors of fresh cranberries, tart dried fruit, licorice and the aromas of fresh wild mushroom from the forest. I love a “lighter bodied” wine that has enough concentration to go with any beef dish and yet matches perfectly with salmon or roast turkey. This $20 wine stood toe-to-toe with my 2005 Savigny les Beaunes, a great red burgundy from an outstanding year.

 

Domaine Jean Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Organically grown grapes from Mendoza, Argentina. If you like red wines all throughout the summer, this is a must try for you. Jean Bousquet is a Frenchman who chose the Andean foothills, after traveling the world, to make the wines he envisioned. This sunny, gracefully tannic red opens up to light tobacco and tar notes, red currant flavors and sweet spice in the nose. The structure and feel are more indicative of a Shone wine—Vacqueras or a Crozes-Hermitage—than they are of a Bordeaux, reflecting perhaps Bousquet’s heritage from the south of France. A value at under $10.

Mark Hanson, State Street Wines & Spirits

WINE

Jacques de la Jugie Minervois 2009 (France)

A very well-balanced, full bodied red blend, based on Grenache grapes. Complex flavors, yet all are subtle and work well together. Great on its own, or with a hearty autumn meal—a real value.

Karl Erbes Riesling Qualitatswein 2009 (Germany)

The balance between the sweetness and the acidity in this wine is absolutely superb. This wine is equally at home in the backyard on a summer evening, and on the Thanksgiving table.

 

BEER

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA (California)

This is a big. piney, California IPA, with the hoppy citrus bite that is making the style an American classic. This is a solid beer, priced dollars less than many of its brethren.

Berkshire Brewing Company Drayman’s Porter (Massachusetts)

A great local offering from just upriver, this hearty, but easy drinking porter has a touch of smokiness. This beer will fortify you as you stay in with a book on a chilly New England evening.

Brian Cooper, State Street Wines & Spirits

Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde 2008

This wine has rapidly become one of the fastest selling wines in the store. An amazing value at only $7.25, Aveleda is a single Quinta (vineyard) wine with rich, ripe fruit and a nice bead of acidity. Refreshing, easy drinking—a great summer wine. Once you try it you will be a fan.

 

Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2008

From Monterey County, California, this white is 90% Chardonnay, 7% Pinot Blanc, and 3% Gewurztraminer grapes. It has wonderful ripe, rich fruit, cinnamon, creme brulee, a touch of smokiness and caramel aromas and flavors. This California Chardonnay has quite a presence on the palate with its creamy richness and a very long, lingering finish.

Judy O’Brien, State Street Wines & Spirits

Summer Brews

When the weather turns, so, too, does the choice of beer. Everyone has their own “good for what ails ya” theories, but I go straight for the lagers when I want easy-drinking refreshment. Here are three can't miss options:

Berkshire Brewing Maibock
22 oz. — $5.20 + deposit

It's amber in color, crisp on the palate, with ample malts to give it a richness of body and a smack of sweetness on the finish.

Zywiec Original Pilsner
16.9 oz. — $2.79 + deposit

Classic quaffable style. Yellow gold in color with a bone white head, this pilsner has very mild hop aromas, a smooth, creamy body, and a soft, semi-dry finish. This beer is so easy to drink, it could be dangerous.

Brewmaster Jack Stray Dog Lager
12 oz. 6 pack — $9.79 + deposit

Hand-crafted to perfection by a Northampton local, this lager exemplifies the German style with an American's touch. I don't know how many batches he had to brew to get here, but it was worth it. It is light and crisp, has the perfect balance of acidity and body, and the cleanest finish of lingering citrus and malty sweetness. It's not going anywhere, but don't miss it!

Wes DeSantis, Cooper’s Corner Liquors

Dr. Loosen Riesling 2008—$11.99

Crisp, dry, refreshing German Riesling with just a hint of sweetness. This delightful wine goes perfectly with almost any fish (especially sushi) or tastes great on its own on a hot, dry summer afternoon.

Ken Ross, State Street Wines & Spirits

Southern Tier Imperial Choklat Stout

Unlike most chocolate stouts, this beer gets its name and flavor from the addition of bittersweet Belgian chocolate. Its Hershey's syrup-sweetness is well-balanced by a strong hop presence. Its size (22 oz.) and alcohol content (11%) make it a beer best shared. My favorite after dinner drink.

 

Goose Island India Pale Ale

A mid-western classic! This Chicago-based brewery makes several great session ales. Their IPA has flavors of citrus and fresh bread, pairing well with foods ranging from Pad Thai to barbequed chicken.

 

Beronia Rioja Gran Reserva 2001

This wine is loaded with earth and dried fruit, with a complex finish that glistens the whole way down. A great value for $20.

Michael Gulden, State Street Wines & Spirits